Chapter 11. Orphaned

Ethan sat by the bank, eyeing the fish that swam lazily in the shallow waters. His senses were heightened, and he knew exactly which one would be the perfect meal for the night. He plunged his hand in and snagged it quickly, feeling the slippery skin against his fingers. He pulled it out of the water, the fish thrashing wildly in his grip. With a swift motion, he slit its throat, letting it bleed out on the river rocks before cleaning it thoroughly. The scent of blood filled the air, mixing with the earthy smell of the forest and the cool water.

Kasia watched from a distance, her heart racing at the sight of the large fish he’d caught. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of fear at the thought of what could have happened if it had attacked her while swimming.

“You weren’t lying,” she murmured, looking at the fish. It was massive, its scales glinting in the moonlight. The forest was eerily quiet; only the sound of the rushing water and their heavy breathing filled the air.